Vera core simulator methodology for PWR cycle depletion

Brendan Kochunas, Benjamin Collins, Daniel Jabaay, Shane Stimpson, Aaron Graham, Kang Seog Kim, William Wieselquist, Kevin Clarno, Scott Palmtag, Thomas Downar, Jess Gehin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper describes the methodology developed and implemented in MPACT for performing high fidelity pressurized water reactor (PWR) multi-cycle core physics calculations. MPACT is being developed primarily for application within the Consortium for the Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) as one of the main components of the VERA Core Simulator, the others being COBRA-TF and ORIGEN. The methods summarized in this paper include a methodology for performing resonance self-shielding and computing macroscopic cross sections, 2-D/l-D transport, nuclide depletion, thermal-hydraulic feedback, and other supporting methods. These methods represent a minimal set needed to simulate high fidelity models of a realistic nuclear reactor. Results demonstrating this are presented from the simulation of a realistic model of the first cycle of Watts Bar Unit 1. The simulation, which approximates the cycle operation, is observed to be within 50 ppm boron (ppmB) reactivity for all simulated points in the cycle and approximately 15 ppmB for a consistent statepoint. The verification and validation of the PWR cycle depletion capability in MPACT is the focus of two companion papers [1,2].

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMathematics and Computations, Supercomputing in Nuclear Applications and Monte Carlo International Conference, M and C+SNA+MC 2015
PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
Pages660-673
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9781510808041
StatePublished - 2015
EventMathematics and Computations, Supercomputing in Nuclear Applications and Monte Carlo International Conference, M and C+SNA+MC 2015 - Nashville, United States
Duration: Apr 19 2015Apr 23 2015

Publication series

NameMathematics and Computations, Supercomputing in Nuclear Applications and Monte Carlo International Conference, M and C+SNA+MC 2015
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceMathematics and Computations, Supercomputing in Nuclear Applications and Monte Carlo International Conference, M and C+SNA+MC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNashville
Period04/19/1504/23/15

Funding

FundersFunder number
U.S. Department of EnergyDE-AC05-00OR22725

    Keywords

    • CASL
    • MPACT
    • VERA

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